Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (2024)

4.71 from 34 votes

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August 20, 2018

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A Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe, can you believe it?! Made with real maple syrup and coconut oil, this healthier snack won’t last long.

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (1)

Caramel Popcorn

I don’t know about you, but Caramel Popcorn (also known as Caramel Corn) and I are BFF’s.

I don’t usually snack on anything late into the night these days, but sometimes I make exceptions and today is that day.

When my friends Christie and Claudia told me about their Clean Eating Caramel Popcorn Recipe, I couldn’t believe how good it was. Not only is this recipe super simple, but it is also:

  • gluten-free
  • vegan
  • unprocessed
  • contains no sugar

Sound a little too good to be true? Well, believe it friends! Give it a try and you be the judge!

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (2)

Caramel Popcorn Recipe Ingredients

Coconut Oil –There are a ton of articles out there saying that coconut oil may or may not be healthy for you. All I know is that it is way better than plain ol’ butter and that this is what this recipe calls for. You be the judge of this and make this recipe with coconut oil or an oil of your choosing. It’s your body people, you decide what goes in it.

Popcorn Kernels – You can’t make popcorn without those kernels. Freshly popped popcorn just cannot be beaten. No matter how convenient the microwave kinds are.

Vanilla –What good, sweet treat recipe doesn’t have vanilla in it. It adds tons of flavor and the aroma of it just kills me every time.

Maple Syrup –Ok I know maple syrup has sugar in it. By healthy, I mean that this recipe is healthier than the traditional recipe because I don’t use processed sugars in it. Do yourself a favor and buy REAL maple syrup. It is SO good. And that is not just the Canadian speaking in me.

Sea Salt –What is more perfect that sea salt to top off this tasty recipe. It is the perfect compliment to all the sweet.

Looking for more delectable snacks to munch on? Check out these recipes:Deviled Eggs,Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars,Smoothie Bowl Recipe for Kids, andCream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe.

How to Make Caramel Popcorn

Start with 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels.

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Place them into a hot pan with some melted coconut oil and…

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (4)

…pop the top on! Every 20-30 seconds shake the pan back and forth to make sure the kernels heat evenly so they pop evenly.

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After about 5 minutes, all your popcorn should be perfectly popped 🙂 Set this aside.

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Now onto the caramel! In a small saucepan, measure out some REAL maple syrup and more coconut oil. I also added in my sea salt to this mixture too, but feel free to save it for the end.

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Lightly boil the mixture for 2 minutes until it thickens. Then add in some vanilla and pour over the popcorn.

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Stir to coat and then eat immediately, or spread it out onto a baking sheet to set a little more.

Believe it or not, this doesn’t taste too coconutty or maply. The splash of vanilla that you throw in at the end makes such a huge difference! It’s seriously what makes this taste like caramel corn…so don’t forget to add it in 🙂

We scarfed this stuff down in no time and think your families will too. Plus it is practically guilt-free! Holla!

Print the recipe using the button below! Enjoy!

Even More healthy snacks you might like:

  • Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids
  • Homemade Protein Snack Boxes
  • Peanut Butter Energy Balls
  • No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (9)

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4.71 from 34 votes

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe

A Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe, can you believe it?! Made with real maple syrup and coconut oil, this healthier snack won't last long.

servings 8 cups popped, approximately

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil divided
  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Place 1 tablespoon coconut oil into a deep pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid and melt over medium-high heat. Add in popcorn kernels and cover. Shake the pan back and forth every 20 seconds or so to heat kernels evenly. After about 2 minutes, kernels should start to pop. Once popping slows, remove popcorn from heat and pour into a large bowl.

  • In a small saucepan, place remaining coconut oil with maple syrup and salt. Boil 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Drizzle over popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Spread out onto some parchment paper to cool 30 minutes or so. Serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Caramel Corn, Caramel Popcorn, Caramel Popcorn Recipe, How to Make Caramel Popcorn

Healthy Caramel Popcorn Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How healthy is caramel popcorn? ›

While caramel-coated popcorn may be a tempting snack, its simple carbs and high sugar content can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of hyperglycemia and other health problems.

Can I eat caramel popcorn in diet? ›

In general, caramel corn is a snack item that is heavy in calories, sugar, and carbs but poor in important elements like vitamins and minerals. It can offer some energy in the form of carbs, but because to its high sugar content and poor nutritional value, it is not regarded as a nutritious food.

Can you substitute maple syrup for corn syrup in caramel? ›

Maple Syrup

However, if you are looking for something similar that will impart sweetness and a depth of maple flavor, this is a great alternative you most likely already have on hand. Use a 1:1 swap for corn syrup in baked goods, but avoid using this swap for candy making.

What is the healthiest popcorn to eat? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Popcorn Brands of 2022, According to...
  • Bjorn Qorn.
  • Pipcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn.
  • Newman's Own Organic Touch of Butter.
  • Whole Foods 365 Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • Trader Joes Organic Popcorn With Olive Oil.
  • Anthony's Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • How to Choose a Healthy Popcorn.
Sep 27, 2022

Does caramel popcorn raise blood sugar? ›

Flavored popcorn or varieties with added sugars can significantly raise blood sugar levels and should be consumed cautiously, especially if you have prediabetes or diabetes.

Why put an egg in caramel popcorn? ›

Even if you want to add candy or sauces, it doesn't require an egg. Still, some say the egg keeps the kernels from sticking together, while others say it's to keep wannabe chefs from adding too many kernels to the pan.

How do you make Martha Stewart caramel popcorn? ›

In a small saucepan, bring butter, sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water to a boil, stirring constantly. Working quickly, drizzle popcorn with sugar syrup, and toss. Spread popcorn evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden and shiny, about 40 minutes.

What can I use instead of baking soda in caramel? ›

Try one of these alternatives you may already have in your kitchen:
  1. The Best Baking Soda Substitute: Baking Powder.
  2. Baking Soda Substitute: Self-Rising Flour.
  3. Baking Soda Substitute: Egg Whites.
Nov 2, 2023

Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

What can I use instead of brown sugar for caramel? ›

You should use refined white granulated or caster sugar to make caramel. Avoid using brown sugar or raw cane sugar as they contain impurities that inhibit caramelisation and also the already brown colour can make it harder to assess when the all important reaction is taking place.

What is the most unhealthy popcorn? ›

Worst: Lance's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn

"With 11 grams of fat 2.5 cups serving, Lance's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn is on the unhealthier side when it comes to bagged popcorn," says Megan Huff, RD, LD, Cardiac ICU Dietitian.

Why is caramel popcorn good? ›

This delicious treat features caramelized sugar and often molasses, which gives it its distinctive flavor and texture. Growing up my first taste of caramel popcorn had to be Kracker Jack's or popcorn balls from my babysitter.

Is caramel popcorn better than chips? ›

Yes, popcorn is generally healthier than chips. Popcorn is a whole grain food that's high in fiber and low in fat and calories. Chips are generally fried in fat and heavily salted. There are unhealthy popcorn options like movie theater popcorn or caramel corn, and there are healthy chip options.

Is caramel popcorn bad for cholesterol? ›

However, popcorn can have high levels of cholesterol if people prepare it with butter or a sugary coating, such as caramel.

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